RSS (Real Simple Syndication) is an element that many web sites and blogs now use to enable readers to subscribe to these pages. Subscribers use an "aggregator"--a web service that handles such subscriptions--that is notified every time new content is added to the web sites or blogs you subscribe to. So, rather than having to check your favorite web sites and blogs to see if there's new content, this new content is brought directly to you (that is, to your aggregator) so you only have to check one place for news, not several. For researchers who are following on-going stories or wanting to stay current with the most recent research on a topic, this tool is essential. RSS allows you to make the web work for you.
Here's a quick and clear overview of how you can use RSS to bring news and information TO you--rather than you having to go out and finding it. (Common Craft)
How to take advantage of RSS in research; more on using RSS (from Free Technology for Teachers)
Choosing a news/blog aggregator: Bloglines v. Google Reader(and others)
Google Reader blog--latest tips and tricks on using Google Reader
"How to find good blogs on almost any topic"
Find blogs.com
Blog search engines
A very complete guide to RSS with some advanced searching tips (Will Richardson)
How to find blogs on your topicGoogle blog search